'Let's get it on': Endangered monkeys serenaded by Marvin Gaye impersonator for Valentine's Day
Marvin Gaye was renowned for his sensual, crooning voice - but now his songs are being used to encourage a different kind of 'monkey business'.
Monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest, in Staffordshire, were serenaded by a Marvin Gaye tribute act in an attempt to encourage the endangered species to mate.
As every new addition is important for the protection of the species, special guest Dave Largie was invited to perform some of the most well-known love songs of all time, to help inspire them to 'get it on' and feel 'sexual healing'.
A spokesman for the park said: "David, a highly experienced love song guru, sang several Marvin Gaye classics to the monkeys whilst in amongst them, and they seemed very relaxed and full of love.
"Some classic Barbary macaque ‘lovey dovey’ behaviour was on display during the performance such as grooming and teeth chattering. Who knows? Maybe there’s something in it and the park will have a record number of babies come the summer."
Trentham Monkey Forest is home to 140 free-ranging Barbary macaques, who live as they would in the wild.
Unfortunately, Barbary macaques are listed as endangered due to loss of habitat and the illegal pet trade, making mating season a vital time for the species.
